Stop 7 - Slovakia

As a respite from the constructing of buildings, we took a team of volunteers from Florida to visit Bratislava, Slovakia. Around the city, the construction was beautiful, the people friendly, and the food cheap. We were photographed by local youth as part of a school scavenger hunt (needed a picture with tourists). Afterwards, we walked the grounds of a beautiful castle overlooking the Danube river. In the picture below, I am contemplating a mythical dive from the battlements into a river many meters (no yards or feet in Europe).

On the train ride back to Vienna, I had an amazing spiritual experience. One of my friends played a harmonica for the entire train car. The songs included Amazing Grace and other songs about the love of Jesus. During the music, the train filled with the peace and glory of God. As a result, the mood of the entire train changed and people sat in peaceful contemplation for the duration of the journey. The experience illustrated to me how the cross of Jesus can bring love and peace to any place (or train car) in the world (see Romans 3:23 and Philippians 3:5-6, The Bible).

Stop 7 - Slovakia

Stop 6 - Wien, Austria

A jackhammer can be used for fun or work. In the picture below I am using a jack hammer 'Rambo' style. As for work, I am currently in Vienna volunteering for a church construction project. My work ranges from electrical work to using the jackhammer to destroy rocks in ditches.

I have been greatly blessed with an apartment for the month and many free meals on the work site. God has also blessed me with a great group of friends at the church. On Thursday nights we all spend many hours praying together. The times of prayer to Jesus have been the highlight of the trip and have really brought great life to my heart and strength to my bones.

Stop 5 - France

While traveling to Vienna on various modes of transport from ferries to trains we got to have a few interesting adventures. The trek included sleeping on trains with beds that were narrrow enough that rolling over could cause you to have a akward entanglement with a sleeping neighbor.

With stops in France we vistied Metz and Montpellier. The town had beautiful buildings and churches (although many churches were closed). While wandering through Metz we passed a French military local recruiting station. As captured by the picture, I briefly considered joining the French millitary (for 1x10^-11 seconds). Nevertheless, I decided to stay on the strainght and narrow and remain with the US Air Force.

Another note, I have found nutella to be a great discovery in Europe. Altough I may be late in trying the spread for any bread, Europe's answer to Peter Pan has been a worthy find. Another great discovery was when a guard ran after me to return my cellphone and wallet that I left at a checkpoint. God really has provided for us on our journey, and Jesus has mercy that is greater than any propensity to make mistakes (even mistakes by LTs).

Stop 4 Morocco

First question by cstoms at the border to Morocco was, "Bush or Obama" (I don't know if the wrong answer could cause a deportation). The trip was a post-windsurfing adventure across the straits for some tourism and visiting a Bedouin village. People stay out late and there are many new and beautiful ocean walks. The locals also make a great mint tea (albiet sweet) and serve tasty olives. The picture shows both continents.

Stop 3 - Spain

I have been staying near Malaga Spain in a fantastic villa for a few days rest. A friend's family owns a house in the area, and they have kindly opened the door for us to stay in the wonderful mansion. We even have a pool surrounded by flowers and gardens.

Also, I have learned that good milk can come in a box (not jug) and that Spain makes amazing cheese. Also, one should not take fruit to the checkout of a grocery store without having an employee weigh the item in the back of the store (initially very confusing when you are not fluent in Spanish)

As we rest, we have also been windsurfing, beach bumming, and hiking part way up mountains. God has truly blessed us with a break before we go to Austria for a construction project.